Jake Riley

Welcome to episode 153 of the Final Surge Podcast. Last week we had on a couple of experts to talk about the US Olympics Marathon Trial. On the men's side, despite a strong Chicago Marathon, Jake Riley did not get much attention. Many casual marathon observers did not even know the name. Jake had to take three years off racing after the 2016 trials because of injury. This unsponsored athlete made a comeback that had the running world talking and took home a second-place and a place on the Olympic team. Today, meet Jake Riley. 1:44 When did you start running? 6:45 Talk about your very successful career at Stanford 7:40 Having someone in front of you helps push you right? 9:06 Did you know when you were at Standford that running was something you wanted to do post-college? 10:37 You ran for Hanson out of college? 11:04 You ended up getting a long injury, when did that happen? 13:23 Was there any doubt during those three years that your running career may be done? 15:53 When did you move to Boulder and start working with Lee Troope? 16:55 Tell us about that first race back after three full years off 18:38 At that time in 2019 did you feel at that time after three years you could even make it back to the trials? 20:03 You ran a 2:10 at Chicago, was that your first marathon back? 21:23 How did you get a top ten in Chicago and come out unsponsored? 24:58 There were a lot of previews written, but not much of a mention of your name, how did you feel going in? 26:35 There was an early breakaway, did you go in to the race with a plan to be ready for the breakaway? 29:57 When Rupp goes out at 15 miles what was the mood of the group when that happened? 32:17 What did you think of the course? 33:30 At mile 19/20 you were still a minute back, was there concern you let them get away to far? 36:14 When you are coming up on then, did you think Korir was maybe a lock for the team and you were racing Abdi for the third spot? 38:10 Why did you grab the flag with 1/4 of a mile to go with two chasing you? 39:51 How does it feel to be an Olympian? 41:36 How much time are you giving yourself off? 43:10 Tokyo is a flatter course, how are you going to change your training? Resources Jake on Twitter Jake on Instagram